Chapter 7: Rise of the Ancients
Silence prevails his announcement only to be broken by Lord Malfoy volunteering to speak. "I would like to speak if everyone agrees." Everybody nods their approval signaling Lord Malfoy to continue. "For far too long, the power of the Ancients, also known as the Sacred 12, has been left dormant. This has resulted in a decline in educational standards and a lack of awareness among new generations. Our ministry has become corrupt, and our customs and traditions are being disregarded. The quality of our magic has deteriorated due to the adulteration of magic and the influence of muggle ideologies. Let me be clear - I am not opposed to muggle-borns. However, I take issue with the ideologies that they promote under the guise of modernisation and their criticism of our heritage without attempting to understand its significance and trying to gain its essence. I believe we must reinstate the council and take control of the witenagemot and eventually the wizarding world before it's too late to save our country and her magic. With this, I rest my point."
His speech was received with quiet. After a stretch of silence, when no one speaks, Lord Ragnarok questions, "Any objections or counter questions?" This time it is Lord Greengrass who raises his wand. "Lord Greengrass you may proceed." acknowledges the Gobin king.
"Lord Malfoy, I agree with you and have no objection regarding the reintegration of the House of Weasely and Prewet into the council. I want to rather voice another concern actually 2 of them concerns. First, Even after reestablishing both these houses, we are still one seat short of a full-fledged council as the seat of the House of Gaunt is still unclaimed. And without all the seats claimed, we will not be able to exercise our complete power. My second is regarding the House of Granger. Why didn't we remember its existence in the sacred 12 until now? In fact, we had completely forgotten its existence in Avalon (Magical Britain)."
"You raise a valid point, Lord Greengrass." It was Sirius or Lord Black who answered this time. "But rest assured, everything is under control. I know you all might be wondering how it is possible as Lord Gaunt has gone astray, and without him, it's not possible to claim the seat of the House of Gaunt. Worry not, Lord Gaunt might not be here at present right now to claim the seat but his rightful heir is present right between us. He will represent the House of Gaunt on Behalf of Lord Gaunt."
Ragnarok took charge, "To answer your second question, the wizarding world indeed seems to have forgotten the existence of the House of Granger until now. It was the effect of a curse put on the entire Granger clan a century ago by a notorious wizard during a battle. Since the curse was not reversible, to prevent the extinction of the House of Granger, he prophesied that a powerful witch would be born in this clan after a century. She will reunite the clans of Dagworths and Grangers and claim the title of Lady Dagworth to revive the House of Dagworth. She will evoke the powers that were that were lying dormant and remind the Grangers of their true inheritance. Only then will they be able to recognise their legacy and reclaim their standing in Avalon."
This declaration came as a shock not only to the entire council but to Harry and Hermione or, rather, Hadrian and Isabella as well. They had known about the curse, but Isabella or the now Lady Dagworth was the one prophesied to annihilate the curse, was something they were hearing for the first time. Everyone was so stunned by this revelation that they seemed to have forgotten that they were here for a very important ordeal.
Hadrian was absolutely livid with Dumbledore. He believed that the headmaster had not only caused him great harm but had also destroyed the life of Isabella, someone he deeply cared for. What made it even more painful was the realization that if they had never travelled back in time, Isabella would have remained completely unaware of the existence of the House of Granger, and none of them would have ever discovered the legacy that she carried within her.
Isabella's emotions were running high, and she was seething with anger. She was furious at the Headmaster for his actions against her family. If it hadn't been for Hadrian's presence, she would have barged into the Headmaster's office and given him a piece of her mind. She felt that the Headmaster had crossed the line, and she was not going to let it go. Isabella had not forgiven the Headmaster for coercing her into living away from her family every year, lying to them about her life, and compelling her to obliviate them. The pain of separation had been unbearable, and the memories still haunted her. This was the last straw for Isabella. Dumbledore had now earned an irate Isabella on his tail, and not even Lady Death herself could save him. Although Lady Death had no interest in saving him. Isabella was determined to make the Headmaster pay for his actions, and she would not rest until justice was served.
Sensing their state, The Goblin King let the news sink in for a few minutes, then initiated the command, ''Now that all the queries have been answered, let's begin the voting. Those in favour of reinstating the Houses of Weasley and Prewett in the Sacred 12 will raise their wands lit. Those in denial will raise their wands unlit. Those who have not arrived at a decision will not raise their wands at all. The result will be decided by the majority."
Eight lit wands were raised in mere seconds confirming to the majority of people in favour i.e. everyone. "It's the first time a notion has been approved with absolute votes, with Lord Potter voting for House of Evans as Lord Evans, and for House of Gaunt as Heir Gaunt, instead of Lord Gaunt. The House of Weasely and the House of Prewett are now officially a part of Sacred 12."
"Lord Weasely, please step forward," He does as urged. "Since you are now the magically recognised Lord of The Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Weasley, I request you to choose an heir for you," Ragnarok suggested while forwarding him the heir ring of the House of Weasely.
"I, Arthur Septimus Weasley, Head of the House of Weasley name Billius Arthur Weasley, Heir of the House of Weasley, by blood, by magic, by law, and by this oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be." Declared Lord Weasley making Bill wear his ring. Carrying forward the ritual, Bill chanted, "I, Billius Arthur Weasley, accept the duties of Heir of the House of Weasley, by blood, by magic, by law and by this my oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be." The ring glowed to signify that family magic had accepted his claim.
"Moving ahead," begins Ragnarok, "Mersess Weasley and Weasley, please step forward." Understanding the seriousness of the situation (no pun intended), they step forward without any dramatics. "By the Prewett family magic, only identical twins can yield the lordship of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Prewett. As you two are the only pair of twins in the Prewett family from your maternal side, the responsibility falls on both of your shoulders. I urge you both to accept the lordship rings and claim your headship."
They accepted their rings and spoke, "We, Fredrik Gideon Weasley; George Fabian Weasley, claim by blood, by law, by magic, House of Prewett. I swear to lead it with honour and fairness; to protect and shelter those who belong or ally to the House of Prewett by blood, by law, by magic, by oath; to deliver justice on those who break the oath and trust with the House of Prewett. So have I sworn; so mote it be." The rings glowed, signifying that the family magic had accepted their claim.
As their oath commenced, Ragnarok instructed them to decide an heir, underlining the fact, that since they are still not of age, the heir will represent them and act in their stead. After discussing among themselves, they declared, "We, Fredrik Gideon Weasley; George Fabian Weasley, Head of the House of Prewett, name Charles Weasley, Heir of the House of Prewett, by blood, by magic, by law, and by this oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be." offering Charlie his heir ring.
Charlie was in a daze. He was not able to believe his ears. His brothers have chosen him out of all the people to represent the House of Prewett on their behalf. Nonetheless, he accepted the responsibility, feeling honoured, and took the oath, "I, Charles Weasley, accept the duties of Heir of the House of Prewett, by blood, by magic, by law and by this my oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be." The ring glowed to signify that family magic had accepted his claim."
Just as he uttered these words, the whole room started vibrating with a surge in raw energy within seconds. The once unassuming stone walls undergo a breathtaking transformation, transmuting into resplendent marble adorned with veins of shimmering gold and lapis lazuli, casting an ethereal glow throughout the room. Elaborate tapestries, alive with scenes from wizarding history, weave tales of ancient magic and heroism, hanging from gilded rods like portals to another realm. The air is filled with the soft hum of enchantment as opulent mahogany furniture, is carved with intricate symbols of arcane power, each piece resonating with the weight of centuries of wizarding wisdom.
Enchanted crystal chandeliers, suspended in mid-air, dance with celestial radiance, casting mesmerizing patterns that seem to shift and swirl with the whims of magic itself. Adornments befitting the esteemed status of the Sacred 12 adorn the chamber, including a grand crest wrought in silver and adorned with the rarest of gems, radiating an aura of authority and unity. Subtle enchantments suffuse the air, infusing it with the celestial strains of music and a gentle energy that seems to stir the very soul. In its completed state, the room stands as a testament to the enduring power and majesty of wizardkind, a sanctuary where the mundane and the magical intertwine seamlessly, enveloping all who enter in an aura of opulence and mystique.
As if on cue, the Lords of all the Houses rose together, wands pointed upwards towards the centre of the ceiling. They begin as one,
"I, Hadrian Charlus Potter-Black,
"I, Isabella Victoria Dagaworth-Granger,
"I, Sirius Orion Lupin-Black,
"I, Augusta Longbottom,
"I, Amelia Susan Bones,
"I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy,
"I, Jackson Samuel Greengrass,
"I, Richmond Nathaniel Granger,
"I, Arthur Septimus Weasley,
"I, Fredrik Gideon Weasley,
"I, George Fabian Weasley,
Invoke the ancient ties that bind, the blood that flows through the ages and the magic that courses through our veins. I claim by ancestry, by legacy, by percipience, the seat upon the Council of The Ancients. I solemnly vow to guide it with integrity and rationality, to safeguard the ancient knowledge and traditions entrusted to us by our forebears. I pledge to extend protection and guidance to all who seek the wisdom of the Ancients, whether by birthright, by virtue, or by alliance. And should any betray the trust of this council or defile its sacred purpose, I shall mete out justice with impartiality and resolve. So have I sworn; so mote it be."
As the final words of the oath echoed through the chamber, a palpable shift swept over the room. The air seemed to crackle with a newfound energy, heavy with the weight of centuries-old promises made anew. A sense of solemnity settled over the gathered assembly, mingled with a subtle reverence for the ancient traditions invoked. Each member felt a deepened connection to the legacy they now bore, their commitment solidified by the solemnity of the oath. In the peaceful aftermath, there lingered a profound sense of purpose, as if the very walls whispered of the timeless responsibility now entrusted to those who sat upon the Council of The Ancients.
"The Council of The Ancients is hereby reinstated and shall be recognized as the ultimate authority in all matters concerning wizarding Britain." Ragnarok's voice echoed through the room. "Each council member shall hold equal power and responsibility and shall be held accountable to Lady Magic herself. The decisions of The Council shall be final, and can only be overruled in dire circumstances by Lord Emrys and Lady LeFey through their mutual agreement. Let it be known that The Council of The Ancients commands unwavering respect and obedience."